News flash! REO Speedwagon and Styx to play the amphitheater in Virginia Beach! Truthfully, that's not exactly a jaw-dropping piece of information. Both bands, popular arena-rock acts who ruled in the '70s and '80s, have visited these parts regularly in recent years.

They're returning to Farm Bureau Live amphitheater in Virginia Beach May 19, we learned this week. This time, though, they'll be accompanied by the Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent. The tour is being called The Midwest Rock 'n' Roll Express, a nod to the Illinois roots of REO and Styx.

Nugent -- known for his appetite for right-wing politics, hunting expeditions and nasty guitar riffs -- has played the area somewhat less frequently than the other two acts on the bill. The Daily Press archive shows that he rocked the American Music Festival at the Virginia Beach oceanfront in 2005 and the Virginia Beach Amphitheater with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2001.

“The heart and soul of American R&B and R&R has always gushed forth from the heartland of America. REO, Styx and The Nuge have always celebrated the power of our special music," Nugent is quoted as saying in a press release. "On the mighty Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express, the energy, attitude and spirit is more intense than ever. This is the soundtrack for the hardcore."

Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10 from Ticketmaster and livenation.com.

Here's the full press release about the show:

******************

REO SPEEDWAGON, STYX AND TED NUGENT

SET TO LAUNCH

“THE MIDWEST ROCK ‘N ROLL EXPRESS” TOUR

SATURDAY * MAY 19

March 5, 2012 – Over 80 million albums sold worldwide. 12 Top 10 smash hit singles. Thousands of concerts performed. The time has come for the ultimate convergence of Rock’s finest from the Midwest. REO Speedwagon, STYX and Ted Nugent will join forces for “The Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express” 30-date U.S. tour. Rolling out May 1 in Hidalgo, TX, tickets for various cities will go on sale starting February 22.

“Forget all those TV shows with glee clubs singing Rock songs,” exclaims STYX guitarist/singer James “JY” Young. “It’s time for mega-Platinum Illinois bands STYX and REO Speedwagon in a battle to the end of the Mayan Calendar with the Motor City Madman!”

"I am a Midwest boy, born and raised with Midwest values,” continues REO Speedwagon singer/guitarist Kevin Cronin. “In the Midwest we work hard, play hard, and rock hard. I am proud to join my brothers in STYX and Ted Nugent to celebrate Midwest rock 'n roll and represent the greatest rock fans in the world. I am ready to climb aboard the ‘Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express!’ Rock On baby!"

As STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw proclaims, “It's gonna be a Twang Fest of screaming guitars and big, sing-along choruses that continue to be the soundtrack for the misbehavior of our collective fan base. In other words, a real good time.”

Ted Nugent couldn’t agree more. “The heart and soul of American R&B&R&R has always gushed forth from the heartland of America. REO, STYX and The Nuge have always celebrated the power of our special music and on the mighty ‘Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express,’ the energy, attitude and spirit is more intense than ever. This is the soundtrack for the hardcore.”

REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent will perform at Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach on Saturday, May 19th at 6:45pm. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 10th at 10am at the Hardee’s Thickburger box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone 800-745-3000 or livenation.com. Reserved seat ticket prices range from $25.00 to $75.00 with a limited number available for $125.00. A limited number of lawn tickets will be available the first week for $10.00 and will then increase to $15.00 and $20.00. Lawn 4 packs will be $60.00. All prices are subject to applicable service charges.

Check out “The Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express” at any of the following stops. Ted Nugent hits the stage at 7:00pm at every stop unless noted otherwise.